Business owners in Montreal’s Plateau‑Mont‑Royal and Ville‑Marie boroughs are voicing concern as the city prepares for extended road closures tied to two major international cycling competitions scheduled for September 2026. The events will require traffic to be halted on several central streets throughout the two boroughs, prompting worries that the disruptions could negatively affect local commerce and everyday life.
City officials announced the race routes earlier this month, confirming that the streets lining the courses will be inaccessible for the duration of the competitions. While the municipality highlighted the potential boost to tourism and the city’s profile on the global sporting stage, merchants along the affected corridors said the loss of foot traffic could translate into a noticeable dip in sales. Many small retailers, cafés and service providers rely on the steady flow of pedestrians and vehicles that normally traverse these avenues.
In response, some business owners are adjusting operating hours or arranging alternative delivery and pickup options to mitigate the impact. Others are reaching out to neighboring merchants to coordinate promotional efforts that might attract customers despite the closures. Residents in the same neighborhoods have also expressed concerns about the effect on daily routines, including access to public transport, waste collection and emergency services.
The two cycling events, each drawing participants and spectators from abroad, are part of a broader effort to position Montreal as a hub for international sport. Organizers have pledged to work with local authorities to manage traffic detours and to keep disruption to a minimum, but the scale of the road closures remains a point of contention for those whose livelihoods depend on uninterrupted street activity.
As the September race dates approach, the dialogue between city planners, event organizers and the business community continues, with both sides seeking solutions that balance the economic benefits of hosting world‑class competitions against the immediate needs of local commerce and residents.